09 Jan 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy In 2021
If you’re anything like the HFFH duo, the start of a new year means planning new adventures, and in 2021 you might be craving some authentic Italian pizza, rides in Fiat 500s, and beachside tranquility in the Mediterranean. Well, if you plan to visit Italy in 2021, then you have made the right choice. It is a beautiful country with something for everyone. For several years, Italy has been one of the most popular travel destinations, and it’s no surprise why. From culture and history, to food and beauty, this small European Country gives you all the reasons to visit and enjoy your vacation, and today we’ve compiled a list of some of the best reasons why you should visit Italy in 2021 ,and why it should at the top of your travel bucket list.
Side note: check what restrictions may apply to you, using this handy COVID-19 travel advisor from our friends at Expedia #notasponsor
Italy Is Surrounded By Sandy Beaches
Italy has more than 5,000 miles of coastline, so you will never be far from the beach. Umbria is the only city out of twenty in Italy that is landlocked. The beaches in Italy all have something different to offer too, so you can choose the beach that matches your style. Tuscany has wild and empty stretches with dunes, while Cinque Terre has crowded coves. You can visit Lido beach (which is a short ride from central Venice) or visit the clear blue waters located in Puglia at the bottom of the country.
You will never run out of beach options too, because there is a beach for every mood and season. The island of Sardinia, for example, has more than 500 beaches alone. If you visit Italy in 2021 during the summer months, you can enjoy beach clubs offering you umbrellas, loungers, and restaurants to lunch along the shoreline (something HFFH is still itching to do). It’s also good to note that the country has a mild climate, especially as you head further south, so it’s safe to say that you can visit Italy in 2021 at any time of the year.
Every Corner And Nook In Italy Is Rich With History
The history of Italy rolls back millennia. You will notice the culture and ancient history of Italy as soon as you step on its soil. Historic cities like Rome showcase the gigantic traces of a rich ancient empire, and Renaissance noble families. When you visit smaller cities like Florence, you will familiarise yourself with the rich history of the Middle Ages. You will also enjoy the Middle Age imprints when you visit Venice, Viterbo, Perugia, and Bracciano. If you want to see the Nuraghe stone towers from the Bronze Age, and the villages where the Mediterranean island’s ancient civilisation took place, then you should consider visiting Sardinia town as well.
Italy’s unification into a single state took place roughly in the early 1800s, so you can definitely still learn in detail about the diversity of the small states and kingdoms in Italy, since its history is still intact and quite fresh. Italians speak the same language, but each region in the country has its own cuisine, own specific traditions, own dialect, own culture, and of course their own histories. We believe that the cultural diversity and rich historical heritage are some of the primary reasons why you should visit Italy in 2021 (well, that and our next point).
Authentic Italian Food
If you just need one reason to visit Italy in 2021, then it should be for the food. Italian food is popular and appreciated by tourists worldwide, and there’s good reason for it. You will find Italian restaurants and Italian specialties on the menu at many international eateries, wherever you go. You will notice new recipes and new ingredients, region after region. Cheese such as Fossa or Pecorino, Taleggio or Gorgonzola, Provolone and Asiago. If you are a pasta and pizza lover, then city streets, local villas, and fresh markets should be your first protocol, and the best part is that you will enjoy a healthy mix of local products and traditional Italian food prepared by the best and original Italian food creators. You might want to try out different eateries to get a varied taste of Italian food, and if you’re renting an apartment during your visit, don’t be afraid to cook some of your own Italian creations using fresh produce from the local supermarkets.
Dramatic Landscapes
We all know that Italy is famous for being one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. You can enjoy scenic views of the white snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites in the northern parts of Italy, contrasting with the orange groves of Sicily in the south. You also get to see the vineyards in Lazio and Tuscany, contrasting with the ravine-cut lands located in Basilicata. Italy also has the treasure of its breathtaking lakes. Don’t miss out on the most popular lakes in Italy, like Garda and Como, and for some of the best views in Italy, make your way to Braies and Misurina. You can also visit central Italy to sightsee volcanic origin lakes like Vico, Bolsena, Albano, and Bracciano.
Home To UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Italy has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. Historical centres like Pienza, Florence, and Siena are on the list, as well as Vietri and Positano. You will be spoilt for choice on the magnificent ancient temple ruins seen in Agrigento and Paestum, and make sure that you visit the active Mount Etna volcano too (still on the HFFH list).
It’s A Global Trendsetter
Italy is an honoured trendsetter for not only Europe, but also the entire globe. It is the capital of fashion and offers the best shopping opportunities. Besides top brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci calling Italy home, Italy has several other businesses thriving, mostly thanks to the opportunities that exist for non-EU citizens who apply for the Golden Visa Italy program – a two-year visa to Italy offered to citizens that intend on investing largely or donating in the country. The visa is ideal for an innovative start-up, or firms operating-in- or that have-been-incorporated-in Italy, and since it’s such an attractive opportunity, expect to see many international businesses when you visit Italy in 2021.
Experience Island Life
Italy has more than 400 islands – even Rome has an island. Sardinia, Sicily, and Elba are like countries on their own because of their unique cuisines, landscapes, and languages. Sicily, for instance, has several sets of islands within its archipelago, like the Egadi islands located on one side and the Aeolian islands on the other side. Visit the glamorous island of Capri (which is situated not far from Rome, Florence, and Naples), where the world-famous Caprese salad of basil leaves, tomatoes, and mozzarella is from, and spend your evenings dancing throughout the night. Don’t forget to tour the thermal baths on the Ischia island either, or hike on the island of Palmaria, situated off the coast of the popular Cinque Terre towns. There’s certainly no shortage of island activities for you.
Friendly Residents
One of the many reasons why most people around the world visit Italy, is because you get that feeling of being home away from home (even for a couple of homeless nomads like HFFH). Italy has friendly residents, making visitors feel welcome, no matter which Italian city you visit. They’re also always ready to help visitors, so try learn a few key Italian words before your visit and watch as you make new friends, whether it’s at the local market or your Airbnb.
Rich Legacy For Art And Architecture
Italy has the richest legacy of art and architecture. This aspect seduces many people to visit the country. You will love the architectural and artistic treasures tracing back to Roman times. Every epoch has devotees and treasures, and Italy is so famous for its inventors, artists, engineers, and architects who have changed the world. You will find art pieces on street corners and roads all over Italy, and there certainly isn’t a shortage of museums around the country. Make sure to see the Colosseum in Rome, postcard-perfect tiered cottages in Positano, and David when visiting Florence. The family collections inside the Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome are also breathtaking.
Cultural Events And Festivals
Italy hosts incredible cultural events and festivals that you don’t want to miss out on (just make sure to keep checking on the news to ensure they are still going ahead with the current pandemic bans in place). One of the famous festivals that you should try to attend is Venice’s Carnevale (something still high on HFFH’s list). The event is held annually, and more than 3 million people attend, dressed up in elegant outfits and adorned with traditional masks. Both Siena and Sardinia towns also host an array of attritional horse racing festivals, so check them out if you’re a fan. But whether you’re going for horse races or carnivals, the great thing about Italy is that every season has its festivals, and every city has its unique way of celebrating them, so you really can’t go wrong. Most regions have food festivals, focusing on specific ingredients or dishes, and the annual religious festivals in Italy are also a dazzling affair. As mentioned though, you’ll want to check ahead if anything has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The Bottom Line…
Italy is full of riches and breathtaking sites. If travel bans allow it, and you’re able to enter this magical country, don’t even think about going anywhere else. From vineyards and beaches, to festivals and natural vistas, we can guarantee that if you visit Italy in 2021 you’ll have the time of your life.
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Ryan Carignan
Posted at 20:05h, 12 JanuaryWe planned to spend the entire month of April in Italy as part of a multi-month road trip through Europe. I’m afraid current policies regarding COVID-19 have just about scrapped that plan. We’re hoping to shift the trip to May, but even that seems unlikely at this point. We’re still hoping to make it, Italy is our favorite country to visit.
Chanel
Posted at 07:27h, 13 JanuaryAaaaw so sorry to hear that you’ve had to adjust your plans 🙁 We’re holding thumbs that the new dates work out for you! We also hope to visit again soon – it really is an amazing country.